Surprising Shift: Reform UK Makes History with By-Election Win in North Tyneside

Reform UK has made headlines by clinching its first electoral victory in a hard-fought by-election in North Tyneside. The party’s candidate, Brian Smith, triumphed in the Killingworth ward, marking a significant milestone for the party as they secured a seat formerly held by Labour. This victory comes on the heels of Labour successfully retaining the Longbenton and Benton seats, where candidate Bryan Macdonald managed to hold the ward amidst a challenging political landscape. The Longbenton and Benton seat had opened up following the narrow win of Labour North Tyneside Mayor Karen Clark over Reform by just 444 votes in the May elections.

Despite the loss of Killingworth, Mayor Clark dismissed the idea that Reform posed a serious political threat, suggesting that their gaining one seat—while Labour retained two—was not indicative of a major shift in power. She expressed, “If Reform was a serious threat, I would expect them to take both these seats.”

In contrast, Brian Smith characterized his victory as the starting point for Reform’s growth in the area, stating that local residents were showing a desire for change. Smith, who previously worked as a cleaner at JD Gym, emphasized his commitment to understanding the role and priorities of a councillor.

Voter turnout in Killingworth reached 30.3%, compared to 24.7% in Longbenton and Benton, suggesting a more engaged electorate in this ward. Smith’s initial focus as a new councillor will be on learning the ropes and determining how to best serve his constituents, showcasing a fresh approach in local governance.